CHARLES RIVER PARKLANDS
UPDATE
Fall 2003
Archives—Table of Contents
Conservancy Volunteers—Behind
the Scenes
Almost everyone who lives in Greater
Boston knows about the Charles River Parklands and has visited them at one time
or another to play, see friends, or just relax. Others feel their day is not complete
without a jog or a stroll in the Parklands. More and more people are realizing
they care deeply for our own "Central Park," and want to help keep it looking
beautiful. CRC Volunteer Coordinator (Britt Lundgren at the time this article
was published—the new Coordinator is Evan Moss) works to see that those who
care about the Parklands have a chance to show their true feelings. Here's how...
 BEFORE
THE EVENT
A roster of projects and locations
is developed in consultation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation
(DCR).
Dates for public events are set and
publicized by the CRC. Group events begin with a phone call to the CRC office
where the Volunteer Coordinator works with group leaders to develop customized
community service opportunities.
THE DAY BEFORE: Staging the
event
Bulk materials—mulch, loam,
hay bales, and wheelbarrows—are trucked to the Parklands and left for volunteers.
Tools and supplies are gathered at the DCR's Southwest Corridor maintenance facility.
DAY OF EVENT
 6:30
am - The day begins
The Volunteer Coordinator dons a Conservancy Volunteers T-shirt and, after stopping
by JP Licks for coffee, heads to the DCR's Southwest Corridor maintenance facility.
7:00 - At the DCR
The tools for the day and a generous supply of work gloves are loaded into the
Conservancy Volunteers truck.
8:30 am -Arriving at the park
The truck is unloaded, the Conservancy Volunteers banner is flown and the site
is readied for arriving volunteers.
8:45 - Arrival
The Volunteer Coordinator greets volunteers at sign in. As they wait for their
fellow volunteers, they chat, enjoy the serenity of the Charles River in the morning,
and wonder why they don't come to the river more often.
9:00- Overview
After welcoming and thanking everyone, the Volunteer Coordinator offers a brief
synopsis of the day's work, including safety tips and instructions. In some instances,
such as tree pruning, a professional may offer a short training session.
 9:15
- To work
Action commences with the Volunteer Coordinator striving to ensure that all volunteers
are working to the best of their ability and having an enjoyable experience.
12:00 noon - Lunch
Over lunch, the Volunteer Coordinator talks about the river, the Parklands and
the Conservancy. Volunteers are encouraged to pack their own lunches.
12:30 - Back to work
1:30 - Clean-up
Volunteers stop working and begin cleaning up, raking up debris and gathering
tools and equipment, which are then loaded onto the truck
2:00 - Departure
Tired but inspired by their opportunity to help renew the Charles River Parklands,
the volunteers receive their complementary Conservancy T-shirts (They love them!),
then go on their way.
2:30 - Back at the DCR
The truck is unloaded and parked. Trash and debris are transferred to a dumpster
while organic matter is taken to the Greenleaf composting facility in Mattapan.
3:00 - Home again
The Volunteer Coordinator returns home to clean up and a chance to catch up on
phone calls and email.
AFTER THE EVENT: Follow-up
All volunteers are sent thank you
notes. Arrangements are made for the removal of any debris left on the Parklands.
The Parklands look much better and are that much more appreciated and enjoyed.
Volunteers tell their friends and family about their day in the Parklands working
next to the shimmering river. Good news spreads fast, and the roster of volunteers
grows larger.
To learn more about current opportunities
for volunteering, click on our page about the Conservancy
Volunteer Stewardship Program.
Charles River Parklands is
published by The Charles River Conservancy, a not-for-profit organization dedicated
to the rehabilitation of the Basin parklands of the Charles River.
Email: crc@thecharles.org
© 2003, The Charles River Conservancy.
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